Apple Process for Claiming found iPad?

The device eventually being released to your custody will make no difference whatsoever.

If the iPad disabled or Activation Locked, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) useless to you. If you are able to contact the original owner, they will require this information:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Apple cannot (and will not) assist with tracing a the owner - as in using any information to which it has access would likely transgress privacy and data protection legislation.

Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as the original sales receipt showing the serial number), neither Apple nor anyone here will be able to help you.

Put another way.

If the device came into the PD’s possession, it’s VERY likely stolen.

The PD can give you a slip of paper which legally inoculates you from any criminal liability, but they simply can’t convey to you more title than they possess themselves. (It’s still stolen)

From Apple’s perspective, there would be insufficient proof of a legitimate transfer from the still-registered w/ Apple owner to “override” the theft-deterrant mechanism.

(If that registered owner intended to “release” the device; they have the means to do so)

You are never going to be able to access the device. It really makes no difference if the PD or region says the device is legally yours, the required documentation for Proof of Purchase to access the device has been posted many times and for that you will need the Original Purchase Receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller and that is it.

Imagine if you lost a device and a local PD granted ownership to someone else. Luckily, from Apple's perspective, it will serve no purpose if the original owner has secured the device to prevent others from using it.

Consider that the PD legally granted you the ownership of a paperweight.

Bloodfeier wrote:

After I jump through all the hoops, will the "Lost property" process documentation from the Local PD and the County Clerk/Sheriff's office be enough that Apple can help me unlock it/reset it, if I do get lucky enough to be able to get it back and keep it?

I don't think so. As far as I know, Apple will only consider removing Activation Lock if

• You have proof of original purchase, or
• The owner of the iPad has died, and you have a death certificate and other legal documentation necessary to show that you have the right to transfer the iPad.

Even if the police department says that you can keep this iPad, it will remain a "brick".